Daniela Luca has found her niche and is excelling at Huntington High School. The sophomore is earning a reputation as a standout young photographer, but she is also commanding respect for her work ethic and achievements across the academic spectrum.
A member of Huntington’s Art Honor Society and English Honor Society, Ms. Luca participates in the high school’s Key Club and Environmental Club and volunteers with its Habitat for Humanity chapter.
“Photography with Mrs. [Pamela] Piffard is definitely my favorite class,” the teenager said. “I enjoy learning new skills to edit the photos I take and I’m looking forward to taking Advanced Photography as a junior. Italian III Honors is another one of my favorite courses. I’m also in English 10 Honors, Algebra II Honors and Chemistry Honors.”
Ms. Luca plays on the Blue Devil varsity tennis team and she has formed several close friendships with her teammates. “Coach [Jamie] Fishlow goes the extra mile to train and encourage us to improve,” she said. “I have made the best memories being a member of this team, I’m anxious for us to have our season.”
The teenager has always seemed to hit it off well with her teachers. “My fourth grade teacher, Ms. [Patrice] Monks made a lasting impression on me,” Ms. Luca said. “She was an amazing, creative teacher and started every day with an inspirational video. She teaches her students to think positive and be kind people.”
Ms. Luca’s advice to incoming freshmen? “Get involved because it pays off and definitely makes you feel part of the Huntington High School community,” she said. “I would recommend joining a team or participating in a club because there is something for everyone.”
The sophomore said McKenna Buffa and Laurel Bonn are “two of my best and oldest friends.” Ms. Buffa recently served as a model for one of Ms. Luca’s photography class assignments.
“We worked together on a ‘levitation photography’ assignment,” Ms. Luca said. The pair used a trail behind Ms. Buffa’s house for the photo shoot.
“We came across some bamboo, which made for a terrific prop,” Ms. Luca said. “We used a stool, which I later edited out of the photo to make it look like she is swinging. While I’m pleased with all of the photos I took that day, I especially love this one because it captures McKenna’s personality and a beautiful background.”
Ms. Luca has taken her photography to an entirely new level the past few months. “I have always loved taking pictures of people, my dog, sunsets and so much more,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to take photography in high school and it is definitely my favorite class.”
Looking ahead to the future, Ms. Luca sees many possibilities. “I haven’t settled on a college major or career path yet so I have many options to explore over the next couple of years,” she said. “About a year ago I went on a road trip with my cousins, visiting an array of schools on the east coast. Wake Forest University and University of South Carolina are two that particularly stood out.”
Ms. Luca is enjoying her experience at Huntington High School, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s taking one day at a time and making each of them count.
“Huntington High School has great teachers and staff with lots of opportunities to engage in. I am “enjoying my high school experience and excited for the next couple of years.
